Admin

A Personal Move Helps Us Empathize With Our Clients!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Beam & Branch Realty TREC #547752

As I begin the arduous task of packing for our move, I am reminded of what my clients go through during a transition. No matter how you slice and dice it, moving is stressful, exhausting, and overwhelming. But, as the old saying goes, "How do you eat an elephant?" "One bite at a time!"

I have moved at least 25+ times in my life. Here are some of my tried and true moving tips. I call them Paula's P's:

  1. PREPARE for the move. Gather your supplies and keep them in one place. Make sure you have plenty of packing paper, boxes, tape, tape dispensers, and lots of markers.
  2. PRIORITIZE and pack things together. Label every box for either the room it is going to be in or, generic terms such as dishes or books.
  3. PACE yourself. If you are like me, you will push until you are to the point of utter exhaustion. Not a good thing! Do what you can and take necessary breaks as often as you need.
  4. PURGE what you no longer need. Either give it away or throw it away! Don't bring unnecessary items into your new home.
  5. PAY a professional packer if this is within your budget. And, if it isn't in your budget, decide if there are things you can do without in order to save to pay for one. THIS one thing is a game-changer!

The main thing to remember is to allow yourself to rest. Your body will thank you later. Moving is a great reminder for me as a real estate professional of what my clients are experiencing. Being able to offer them moving tips and emotional support is important. Happy moving day!

Posted by

Comments(24)

Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Yes, Leanne Smith! That count does not include all the moves during the college years. And yes, all of these moves have been as an adult.

May 10, 2023 07:26 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Hello Paula and happy Wednesday! Thank you for these great tips, moving out is really a struggle!

May 10, 2023 07:27 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Thank you, Roy Kelley - all of those prior moves have provided me with much insight on the matter.

May 10, 2023 07:29 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

You are correct, Nina Hollander, Broker - we must show our clients that we care and understand the stress involved in the entire moving process.

May 10, 2023 07:30 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

I know, Joan Cox - my husband and I both say this is it! No more moving after this one. 

May 10, 2023 07:32 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Hey there, Lise Howe - you are right that the process is a struggle. Whew!

May 10, 2023 07:33 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Time for some humor.  I would never eat an elephant - but I get your point. 

Moving is a huge job and it is Stressful!

Having a plan and working methodically helps a great deal. 

You offer some great moving tips Dr. Paula McDonald 

May 10, 2023 08:04 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Paula and thank you for the great information you are sharing with us here in the Rain.  Make it a great Wednesday!

 

May 10, 2023 08:42 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Paula,
Yes, moving is hard work! The last time I moved I told the kids they'll be taking me out of here in a pine box. LOL   I know you are anxious to get in your new home, get organized and enjoy!  

BTW: I don't plan to move (or be taken out in a pine box) anytime soon but PURGE is on my bucket list this year!

May 10, 2023 09:35 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I always empathize with them because I know firsthand how much I despise moving.  I used to offer to help out, but as I get older I refrain from doing so, haha.

May 10, 2023 09:53 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Thank you, Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Estate Specialist - your guest room awaits when you come to see me in Texas.

May 10, 2023 01:38 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Thank you, Will Hamm - I hope you are having a splendid day as well.

May 10, 2023 01:38 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Hey there, Carol Williams - the next time you visit, you have a place to stay.

May 10, 2023 01:39 PM
Carol Williams

That's very kind of you, Dr. Paula McDonald.
I would love to revisit Granbury.

May 11, 2023 04:53 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Brian England - yes, the older we get the more difficult each move becomes.

May 10, 2023 01:39 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Paula- I've moved a lot but not 25 times!  Purge is key for me. Why pack and move something you end up not needing at your new home!!!

May 10, 2023 07:08 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I really need to put on my reading classes when I read blogs, Paula.  I first read your title line as, "Helps us euthanize our clients."🙃

May 10, 2023 07:29 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

I know, Kathy Streib - being married to a builder had a lot to do with all of the moves. I'm ready to stay put.

May 10, 2023 07:39 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Ha ha, Myrl Jeffcoat - that is funny! I'm sure that made you wonder what in the world is Paula writing about???

May 10, 2023 07:39 PM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Paula, you are an expert on moving - 25+ is quite a number. Resting is so important, as we prepare for the move and on the move day. The 5 Ps are memorable.

May 10, 2023 08:03 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Thank you, Steffy Hristova, and yes, 25 times is a lot! Ready to settle in this one.

May 11, 2023 04:43 AM